Deep cleaning your home will not only get it ready for winter, it will also provide the basis for transforming it into a snug and cozy autumnal haven.
So, how can you handle these seasonal cleaning chores in a way that is both efficient and gentle on the environment?
Use Natural—Fall Scented—Cleaning Products!
You don’t need commercial chemical-based cleaning products to clean effectively. Try homemade recipes with natural ingredients instead.
- For example, mix white vinegar, baking soda and lemon and add a few drops of cinnamon, orange or pine essential oil for a fragrance reminiscent of forest walks. This cleaning solution is just as effective as what you would buy in stores and it will scent your home, naturally.
- Additionally, use eco-friendly laundry detergents free of bleaching agents or phosphates if you decide to wash your curtains, rugs or cushions.
Don’t Waste That Fall Windfall
Is your yard covered in a blanket of dead leaves? Instead of throwing them away, repurpose them as mulch to protect your plants over winter or add them to your compost pile. This will enrich the soil and prepare your garden for the following spring.
Clear the Air!
Before turning to fragrance diffusers or candles, simply open the windows wide to let the fresh air in and allow it to circulate throughout the home. Autumn air smells so nice! You could place air purifying plants, like aloe or ferns, around the house as well to cleanse the air naturally. And why not hang a few pine or cedar branches by the windows for an even more delightful scent?
Remember to Conserve Water
What can we do to preserve our most precious resource when cleaning the home?
- As you scrub your windows to catch the season’s last rays of sunlight, follow some water-saving tricks. For example, use a special cloth that cleans glass without relying on additional products or a spray solution containing only natural ingredients (see this article’s first tip above for an easy recipe).
- Use a steam mop to deep clean surface while reducing water consumption.
- Avoid running the washing machine for small piles: group items together into larger loads to optimize each cycle.
- And most importantly, don’t leave taps running unnecessarily!
Let Go of Your Old Clothes
Is there a pair of jeans, or shorts, or a camisole that hasn’t seen the light of day for two summers? It’s very unlikely that you’ll feel like wearing next year. Autumn is a good time to declutter your closets; however, if you want to be green about it, consider the following options:
- Instead of throwing out the items you’ve decided not to keep, donate them to a local charity.
- If you’re handy with a needle, why not turn this old fabric into reusable shopping bags or quilts to bundle up in on chilly evenings?
- You could even cut the clothing scraps into rags (to replace wasteful disposable paper towels).
Remember the 3 R’s!
Fall is likewise a good moment to get rid of stuff you don’t want anymore. But before you thoughtlessly put it in the trash, ask yourself if some things are reparable or could become someone else’s treasure. Furthermore, textiles, electronic devices and furniture can often be recycled.
Opt for Green Storage Containers
After having decluttered, organize your belongings into bins made of eco-friendly materials (therefore avoiding plastic!). Autumn is a great time of year to add jute or wooden baskets to your decor as they complement this season’s warmer tones in addition to being sustainable.
Once your home is spic and span, all that’ll be left for you to do is integrate a few cozy elements into your space to create a comforting retreat. And you’ll have the extra satisfaction of having done your bit for the environment.